Swiss Researchers Pioneer Sustainable Materials from Fungi for Broad Applications
Switzerland, Tuesday, 13 May 2025.
Swiss scientists developed fungi-based materials for uses including compostable films and sensors, showcasing sustainability in healthcare. This ‘living’ material boasts continuous functionality over time.
Revolutionary Living Material Development
Swiss researchers at EMPA’s Cellulose and Wood Materials laboratory have created an innovative material using the mycelium of the split-gill mushroom (Lentinula edodes), marking a significant advancement in sustainable materials science [1]. The material’s uniqueness lies in its living nature, continuously producing useful molecules through its extracellular matrix [2]. ‘Nature has already developed an optimized system,’ notes Gustav Nyström, head of the Cellulose and Wood Materials lab [2].
Versatile Applications and Properties
The material demonstrates remarkable versatility, functioning as both a plastic-like film and an emulsifier for food and cosmetic products [1][2]. According to researcher Ashutosh Sinha, ‘This is probably the only type of emulsion that becomes more stable over time’ [2]. The material maintains its stability through the continuous release of emulsifying biomolecules, including hydrophobins and schizophyllan, making it particularly valuable for sustainable applications [2].
Environmental Impact and Future Potential
This development comes at a crucial time when traditional building materials face increasing scrutiny for their environmental impact. For context, cement production alone contributes to 8% of atmospheric CO2 emissions [3]. The new fungal material offers a sustainable alternative, being completely biodegradable and produced with minimal processing steps and no chemicals [2]. Researchers are now exploring applications in sustainable electronics, particularly for creating biodegradable moisture sensors and compact biobatteries [2].